Annapurna Conservation Area

Annapurna Conservation Area

Location

: Nepal

Nearest city

: Kathmandu

Coordinates

: 28°47′N 83°58′E

Area

: 7,629 km2

Established

: 1992

The Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) contains some of the world’s highest peaks the world’s deepest valley-the Kali Gandaki River Valley. It is the Nepal’s largest protected area of 7629 sq. km. It was established in 1992. The proposed conservation area encompasses the Annapurna range in Western Nepal. It is bounded to the north by the dry alpine deserts of Mustang and Tibet (China), to the west by the Kali Gandaki River, to the east by Marsyandi Valley and to the south by valleys and foothills north of Pokhara (Sherpa et al., 1986). The nearest town is Pokhara, some 30 km to the south. Access is by road from Pokhara Nandanda, and from then onwards by foot. The ACA has an entire habitats gradient from sub tropical sal forest to perenial snow harboring 22 different forest types with 1226 plant species including 55 endemics, 30 mammals and 456 birds.

Getting in Annapurna Conservation Area :- Annnapurna area conservation is located near Pokhara, a town easily accessible from Kathmandu by air and road .Bus or private transport services are available from Pokhara to Jomsom which is located in the northern part of Annapurna Conservation Area. Alternative route is to reach to Phedi by bus or taxi and walk 1.5 days to reach to Ghandrung via Dhampus -Landrung. Annapurna sanctuary and base camp is located at 6-7 days trek from Ghandrung.

Vegetation and Wild Animals:The Annapurna Conservation Area offers innumerable sights of water falls, mountains, natural flowers and rural settlements. If you trek from the west you will be travelling along the Kali Gandaki River. Apart from natural sights, the area is rich with flora and fauna. There are above 1200 plants with around 40 orchids and 9 species of rhododendron - the national flower. There are around 100 mammals including the rare snow leopard and blue sheep in the upper sub-alpine area, 478 species of birds such as the protected multi-coloured Impheyan, koklas and blood pheasants. 39 reptiles and 22 amphibians and many types of butterflies in the area.

Tourist Attraction:

• Reaching beyond the Himalayas, both on foot or by flight, this is one of the most fascinating expereince while trekking in the Annapurna Circuit.

• Trekkers beginning their adventure either from the west or east starting point, reach behind Mt. Nilgiri as they near Jomsom, the District Headquarters of Mustang.

• While you celebrate your victory for having reached behind the Himalayas you can see the above 8000 m mountains like Dhaulagiri standing right in front of you.

• Ghandrung will be your first experience where you will see the locals have conserved ecology and at the same time have earned their livelihood through tourism.

• Past Ghandrung you will reach Ghorepani from where you can sight a panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges to the north on top of Poon Hill.

• Descending from Ghorepani, as you go towards the north, you reach Tatopani where there is natural hot water springs that offers an excellent place to relax and bathe.

• As you proceed further towards Jomsom you reach a place called Kalapani. From here is where Mt. Dhaulagiri stands on the same ground you are standing on!

• Jomsom is a popular place for visitors where you experience many cultural sights. Annapurna region has around 120000 human populations from 10 different ethnic cast groups.

• For more nature and cultural sightseeing go towards the north at Kagbeni, where you can continue onto explore the Upper Mustang - the once forbidden Kingdom. Or trek towards the Muktinath Temple, the Hindu pilgrimage at the height of almost 4000m. Further ahead is the Thorung-La Pass at an altitude of 5416m. If you want to climb over the pass it is better to do it from the east side, going around the circuit anti-clockwise, makes climbing the pass a lot easier

Important Points:

• There are many small lodges/teahouses along the way which will provide food, drinks and accommodation.

• A government regulation prohibits lighting camfires in the conservation area. You need to carry kerosene and sufficient warm clothing.

• Visitors should carry out what they carry in. Place rubbish designated places.

• The flora and fauna in the area are fully protected. They should not be disturbed.

• Do not wear revealing clothing.

• Respect privacy. Ask before photographing people or religious sites.